Resources

Not everyone interested in going solar can pay for a new solar installation up-front. Statewide and citywide financing programs can make solar energy available to households, nonprofits and small businesses that might otherwise be priced out of the market. Solar financing options can include loans and installment programs, as well as leasing options that reduce upfront investment. Offering these options for your community can.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, also known as RGGI (pronounced “Reggie”), is one of the best examples of U.S. climate leadership. This program, created by a bipartisan group of governors in 2005, is the nation’s first multi-state policy to cut dangerous carbon pollution from power plants and generate revenue to fund clean energy programs. It works by limiting dangerous carbon pollution from electric power plants. By making power plant owners pay to emit pollution, it generates revenue that states largely reinvest in energy efficiency, clean energy and other programs to benefit the environment and consumers.

Cities can work with local installers, nonprofits and community groups to offer bulk purchasing programs that allow businesses, homeowners and nonprofits to purchase solar energy collectively, lowering the cost for everyone involved. Solarize programs are bulk purchasing programs that bring customers together to negotiate better rates, select an installer for the group, and boost demand over a limited period of time. Solarize campaigns and other bulk purchasing programs help spur solar deployment while providing a myriad of benefits.

On January 22, 2014, Environment New Hampshire's Madeline Page and Travis Madsen gave oral and written testimony before the New Hampshire House Energy, Science and Technology Committee in support of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Full written testimony below:

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